The beautiful coastal marshes and many lakes of Cameron Parish are both a treasure and a threat. As the westernmost coastal parish in Louisiana, there is an increased risk of flooding due to hurricanes, tropical systems, sudden heavy rainfall and flash flooding.
Hurricane Rita made landfall in Cameron Parish on Sept. 24, 2005.  The storm’s 15- to 20-foot surge and more than 8 inches of rain left the entire parish submerged in water.  Hurricane Rita completely destroyed some small towns, and flood insured damages in the parish totaled more than $100 million dollars. 
CAMERON PARISH FLOOD FACTS 
(Source: National Flood Insurance Program)
Flooding costs Cameron Parish. Since 1978, insured flood losses in Cameron Parish totaled more than $107.7 million. 
More Cameron Parish residents are flood insured. Policies have increased 60 percent in the past year, to 1,776 as of June 2007.
However, 49 percent of Cameron households remain at financial risk. There are more than 3,500 households in Cameron Parish and only 1,776 flood insurance policies in effect.
Insured Cameron Parish residents need to maintain coverage. In Cameron Parish, approximately 100 flood insurance policies are expected to lapse from August - November 30, 2007. Residents need to keep their insurance policy current, to ensure they are covered during peak hurricane season.
BE FLOODSMART 
Tips for Parish residents to lower their flood risk: 
* Learn your flood risk. Find out your flood risk by entering your address at FloodSmart.gov “Assess Your Risk.” Insurance agents can provide more detailed information and insurance options.
* Purchase a flood insurance policy. Most homeowners insurance does not cover floods and there is typically a 30-day waiting period before a policy becomes effective. If you already have a flood policy, remember: it needs to be renewed each year.
* Move important objects and papers to a safe place.  Store your valuables where they can’t get damaged.
* Conduct a thorough home inventory. Thorough documentation of your belongings will help you file your flood insurance claim. For more information, visit www.knowyourstuff.org.
* Reduce your flood risk through home improvements. Visit FloodSmart.gov to learn about ways to lower the risk of sewer backup, basement flooding and other flood-related issues.
* Plan for evacuation. Plan and practice a flood evacuation route, ask someone out of state to be your “family contact” in an emergency, and ensure everyone knows the contact’s address and phone number.
* Build an emergency supply kit. Food, bottled water, first aid supplies, medicines and a battery-operated radio should be ready to go when you are. Visit www.ready.gov for a disaster supply checklist.

Cameron Parish Flood Fact Sheet